Schwarzenegger's Highs and Lows
The best, worst and in-between of Arnold Schwarzenegger's film career. Personally I have not seen every single one of his films, which is good and bad. I will note the ones I have seen, at least parts and tell whether to see or skip.
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- DirectorArthur Allan SeidelmanStarsArnold StangArnold SchwarzeneggerDeborah LoomisHercules is sent to Earth where he finds true love and starts a promising career in the bodybuilder business.Arnold's feature-length film debut. This movie originally featured an over-dubbed voice over Arnold's because you couldn't understand through his thick accent. Only seen parts of this but it looks kinda contrived. I say: skip.
- DirectorGeorge ButlerRobert FioreStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLou FerrignoMatty FerrignoArnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno face off in a no-holds-barred competition for the title of Mr. Olympia in this critically-acclaimed film that made Schwarzenegger a household name.The first film that gave Arnold notoriety and featured him at his expertise: bodybuilding. Follow the journey of Arnold and his buddies through bodybuilding competitions. Did not see this one but feel good enough to say: see.
- DirectorJohn MiliusStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerJames Earl JonesMax von SydowA powerful warrior seeks to avenge the genocide of his people and the murder of his parents at the hands of a snake cult.Did not see this one, so I have no synopsis. But do: see it.
- DirectorRichard FleischerStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerGrace JonesOlivia d'AboConan leads a ragtag group of adventurers on a quest for a princess.Sequel to the previous "Conan" movie. Again did not see this one but...do: see it.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonMichael BiehnA human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation.One of my all time favorite movies. About a killer cyborg from the future and a protector that must save the mother of the future savior of the world. Definitely say: see.
- DirectorRichard FleischerStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerBrigitte NielsenSandahl BergmanThe fearless warrior Red Sonja sets out to avenge her family's murder and rid her kingdom from the tyrannical rule of evil Queen Gedren.Sorry I did not see this one either, but have good intentions and say: see it.
- DirectorMark L. LesterStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerRae Dawn ChongDan HedayaA retired Special Forces colonel tries to save his daughter, who was abducted by his former subordinate.Only have seen this once or twice. About a mercenary whose daughter is kidnapped and must save her from the bad guys. "Bennett!!!" I do say: see.
- DirectorJohn IrvinStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerKathryn HarroldSam WanamakerA former FBI agent turned small-town sheriff agrees to help the FBI chief infiltrate the Chicago mafia when the FBI chief's son is killed by them.Finally got around to this one. Infiltrating a mob for a friend and killing the bad guys. Kinda hokey, who would allow some big muscle bound Austrian guy into an Italian mob? Anyway I say: either way it's up to you.
- DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerCarl WeathersKevin Peter HallA team of commandos on a mission in a Central American jungle find themselves hunted by an extraterrestrial warrior.Only seen this one for the first time in the past few years. Definitely one of Arnold's best. You try tracking an invisible creature killing everything in sight! If you are an "Arnold fan", I say: see.
- DirectorPaul Michael GlaserStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerMaria Conchita AlonsoYaphet KottoIn a dystopian America, a falsely convicted policeman gets his shot at freedom when he must forcibly participate in a TV game show where convicts, runners, must battle killers for their freedom.Falsely accused of murder, go to prison and try to make a break for it. Don't let the fuzz catch you, we're not putting you back in prison. In stead let's put you on our latest game show and win your freedom, but you may have the pay the price of death. I have to say: see.
- DirectorWalter HillStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerJim BelushiPeter BoyleA tough Russian policeman is forced to partner up with a cocky Chicago police detective when he is sent to Chicago to apprehend a Georgian drug lord who killed his partner and fled the country.Bit of mismatching between Schwarzenegger and Jim Belushi. Arnold plays a Russian cop who is by-the-book type and Belushi is every day detective in Chicago. Arnold's character follows a Russian thug to the U.S. hoping to capture him and haul him back to Russia, all while trying to keep up with the U.S. law enforcement bureaucracy. While this is back in the Action genre, native to Schwarzenegger's style, you may or may not go along for this adventure. But I say: see it.
- DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerDanny DeVitoKelly PrestonA physically perfect but innocent man goes in search of his long-lost twin brother, who turns out to be a short, womanizing, small-time crook.Arnold's first crack at a comedy or dramedy type movie. Partnering up with director Ivan Reitman and co-star Danny DeVito. A bit ill-conceived that one twin is a big muscular, intelligent man and the other a short, stubby, low-life street-smart loser. Follow the chaos of these reunited brothers on the path to bring back their family. I say: make your own choice. If you can't see Arnold as funny, skip. If you're willing to take a chance: see.
- DirectorPaul VerhoevenStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerSharon StoneMichael IronsideWhen a man goes in to have virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars implanted in his mind, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?If you haven't seen this movie, one catchphrase may really stick in your head: "Get your ass to Mars." Based the Phillip K. Dick novel. Schwarzenegger goes to Rekall, a virtual trip agency set in the future. Before he knows it, did he go to Mars? What happened?
I definitely say: see it. - DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerPenelope Ann MillerPamela ReedA tough cop must pose as a kindergarten teacher in order to locate a dangerous criminal's ex-wife, who may hold the key to putting him behind bars.Another pairing with director Ivan Reitman, this time without Danny DeVito, for justified reasons. Arnold as cop must go undercover to seek out a killer's ex-wife and son and protect them from being found and hunted. Most of the time Schwarzenegger is posing as a substitute kindergarten teacher and has to deal with these rugrats and all the darn things they say and do. Some funny catchphrases and say: see it.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonEdward FurlongA cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her ten year old son John from an even more advanced and powerful cyborg.Probably Schwarzenegger's best movie to date. Two catchphrases you'll always hear people say and one was also in the original: "I'll Be Back!" and "Hasta, la vista, baby!" He is back, this time to protect: John Connor. And terminate the T-1000.
Do not miss this movie, I say: SEE IT!!! - DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerF. Murray AbrahamArt CarneyWith the help of a magic ticket, a young movie fan is transported into the fictional world of his favorite action movie character.Little factoid first: originally "Commando" was going to have a sequel but it turned into "Die Hard" which was going to have Schwarzenegger in it but turned it down but this movie is also by "Die Hard" director John McTiernan. Follow the story of a young boy and his favorite action star: Jack Slater. But is it just a movie or a real adventure? Isn't he an actor or his really a cop? I say: see it.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerJamie Lee CurtisTom ArnoldA fearless, globe-trotting, terrorist-battling secret agent has his life turned upside down when he discovers his wife might be having an affair with a used-car salesman while terrorists smuggle nuclear war heads into the United States.Partnered up again with "Terminator" and "Terminator 2" director James Cameron. This time Arnold is top secret U.S. government spy and no one really knows that, not even his wife (played by Jamie Lee Curtis). I like the interspersed light comedy and action together that makes it a not stop thrill ride. And I say: see it.
- DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerDanny DeVitoEmma ThompsonAs part of a fertility research project, a male scientist agrees to carry a pregnancy in his own body.The first of multiple disappointments in Arnold's career. Yes, partnered up again with director Ivan Reitman and also "Twins" co-star, Danny DeVito. How contrived of a plot is this: a fully grown man getting pregnant? WOW, that is a stretch!! And too far of a stretch for anyone to appreciate this piece of garbage! I say: skip it!!!
- DirectorChuck RussellStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerVanessa WilliamsJames CaanA Witness Protection specialist becomes suspicious of his co-workers when dealing with a case involving high-tech weapons.One of those borderline movies whether you don't if it's any good or not. Arnold's character has the job of working with the Witness Protection program and must do the job of destroying people's past to give them a new life. Well, there is a rogue agent at the FBI and doesn't look good when you might be setup and all your witnesses are no longer safe. I give this one a: see it. But it is borderline good.
- DirectorBrian LevantStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerSinbadPhil HartmanA father vows to get his son a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas. However, every store is sold out, and he must travel all over town and compete with everybody else in order to find one.Probably Arnold's worst performance of his career. So much many people still reference it when making fun of Arnold. So you have to get your kid the most popular toy for Christmas and that is less than two days away and you still haven't got it. You kid doesn't get it, he will be so upset and his friends will hate him. Throw in the mix this movie has actor/rapper Sinbad? Another reason to: skip it.
- DirectorJoel SchumacherStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerGeorge ClooneyChris O'DonnellBatman and Robin try to keep their relationship together even as they must stop Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from freezing Gotham City.In general, probably the worst of the Batman movies. And with Arnold back playing a bad guy, you think it might be a good movie? Wrong!! Seems like, every time you have him playing a smart/intellectual type guy, the audience just doesn't buy it. Arnold playing Mr. Freeze, well, he will do just that to you, freeze you from ever watching this pile of garbage. I say: skip.
- DirectorPeter HyamsStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerGabriel ByrneRobin TunneyAt the end of the century, Satan visits New York in search of a bride. It's up to an ex-cop who now runs an elite security outfit to stop him.Another lackluster movie added to Arnold's repertoire. He leads a security team to protect high-class citizen and expensive cargo. But can he face the anti-christ and save the world from the apocalypse? All while facing his personal demons and past mistakes of saving those he lost? The content just doesn't mix with Arnold's acting skills. I say: skip it.
- DirectorRoger SpottiswoodeStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerMichael RapaportTony GoldwynA man meets a clone of himself and stumbles into a grand conspiracy about clones taking over the world."On the sixth day, God created man." I think that's how they got this title, not sure why they got Arnold. In the future, human cloning has been outlawed but doesn't stop them from actually doing it. And are sure that's you in your home, wait "I'm me, but that's me over there, what?" A bit confusing and a little hard to follow plus not much story. Unfortunately I have to say: skip it.
- DirectorAndrew DavisStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerJohn LeguizamoFrancesca NeriAfter his family is killed by a terrorist act, a firefighter goes in search of the one responsible.Get ready for another role where Arnold plays a different guy. This time a fireman. And he IS after terrorists again. Trying to avenge deaths again, as far travelling across the world to hunt down the killer. I was pretty much on the fence on this one. Can't really nail it down. You may have to decide for this film.
- DirectorJonathan MostowStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerNick StahlKristanna LokenA machine from a post-apocalyptic future travels back in time to protect a man and a woman from an advanced robotic assassin to ensure they both survive a nuclear attack.He's back! As the Terminator, that is. This movie fell a little short and there are some plot holes. That being said, the CGI and other special effects were fairly good but if you can't have a really good solid story along with it does take away from the movie experience. But I do say: see it.